Brief Information
The Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded training opportunity for human rights defenders from non-EU countries. Organised by the European Parliament, the programme offers an intensive two-week experience focused on advocacy, security, EU human rights mechanisms, and international networking. Selected fellows will take part in high-level meetings, expert-led workshops, and long-term engagement with the EU’s human rights community.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme Dates: 7–20 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Location: Brussels, Belgium + another EU Member State (onsite)
- Programme Type: Fully funded fellowship
- Target Group: Human rights defenders from non-EU countries
- Number of Fellows: Up to 14 participants
- Organiser: European Parliament
- Coverage: Travel, accommodation, daily allowance
Overview
The Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026 is an empowering capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the skills, resilience, and international reach of human rights defenders working in challenging environments. Unlike the Sakharov Prize, this fellowship is not an award for past achievements; instead, it focuses on practical impact, skills development, and future advocacy.
Since its launch in 2016, the programme has trained dozens of activists, lawyers, journalists, and civil society leaders, equipping them with tools to advocate more effectively for human rights at national, regional, and international levels. Fellows receive a comprehensive introduction to EU human rights policies and mechanisms, as well as direct exposure to how the European Parliament engages with global human rights challenges.
The programme includes meetings with Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and Brussels-based human rights organisations. Participants also take part in hands-on workshops covering advocacy and communication strategies, security and safety, countering disinformation, documentation of human rights violations, and personal resilience and well-being. Dedicated time is provided for individual advocacy initiatives, networking, and strategic communication.
Importantly, fellows become members of the Sakharov Community, maintaining long-term engagement with the European Parliament and EU Delegations in their home countries. After the fellowship, participants are expected to act as multipliers—sharing knowledge, supporting peers, and strengthening local human rights ecosystems.
Eligibility
To apply for the Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026, candidates must:
- Be a human rights defender from a non-EU country
- Have a proven track record in human rights advocacy (NGO, organisation, or individual capacity)
- Demonstrate strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights
- Possess a high level of English, sufficient for active participation
- Be available for the full programme duration (7–20 June 2026)
Selection also considers gender balance, geographical diversity, and a broad representation of human rights themes aligned with the political priorities of the European Parliament.
Application Details
Applications for the Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026 must be submitted online via the official EU Survey application form. Applicants are required to provide personal details, professional background, and information demonstrating their experience and motivation in the field of human rights.
The fellowship is fully funded, covering:
- Return international travel from the country of residence
- Accommodation throughout the programme
- Daily living allowance for the full duration
Applications close at midnight on 15 February 2026 (CET). Successful candidates will be notified by email no later than 9 March 2026. Due to the high number of applications, individual feedback is not provided to unsuccessful applicants.
For best results, applicants are encouraged to clearly highlight their advocacy experience, current challenges they face, and how participation in the Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026 will strengthen their impact and networks.
FAQ
1. Is the Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The programme covers travel, accommodation, and provides a daily living allowance.
2. Can EU citizens apply for this fellowship?
No. The programme is open exclusively to human rights defenders from non-EU countries.
3. Is this fellowship an award like the Sakharov Prize?
No. The fellowship is a training and capacity-building programme, not an award.
4. What language is the programme conducted in?
The entire programme is conducted in English.
Official Link
👉 Apply now for the Sakharov Fellowship Programme 2026:
- Application Form: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/1c11f1e8-1844-90e1-9144-62aec54cf9c6
- Official Call: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/sakharovprize/en/fellowship/supporting-defenders
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